As the NBA’s offseason wears on, every team needs to take stock of its situation. Some teams are ready to take a big step forward. Others should probably step back. Teams need to decide if they’re buying or selling, and act accordingly.
The Toronto Raptors should probably be selling. This team had a wildly disappointing 2022-23 season. The Raptors have a lot of talent, but it doesn’t seem to be clicking. It’s time for this team to undergo a long-term rebuilding process.
By contrast, the Sacramento Kings had a good season. They need to get better. The Kings should be looking to make any upgrade that they can. Why not O.G. Anunoby of the Raptors?
The Trade Proposal
Toronto Raptors Receive: F Harrison Barnes, G Davion Mitchell, G/F Chris Duarte, 2026 First-Round Pick (SAC), 2028 First-Round Pick (SAC)
Sacramento Kings Receive: F OG Anunoby, F/C Thaddeus Young
With that said, don’t cry for the Raptors. This team has an NBA championship in its recent history. That’s a claim that most teams around the league can make. It’s certainly not one that the Kings can claim.
So, don’t begrudge Sacramento their success, either. This team recently set a record for the most seasons in a row without making the playoffs. If you’re a longtime fan of the Kings, you deserve this. In fact, you deserve more. You deserve to watch the Kings make a deep playoff run next season.
NBA NEWS, TRADES & RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors & Sacramento Kings Updates
On the other hand, Raptors fans should be able to stomach a few years of hardship. This is life in the NBA. You’re at the top, until suddenly, you’re at the bottom. With that said, the Kings are still a little too close to the middle. Does this deal put them over that threshold?
Why The Sacramento Kings Do The Deal
The Kings seem to be missing a piece. This team had the league’s best offense throughout the regular season. That had as much to do with Domantas Sabonis’ offensive gifts as it did anything else. With that said the Golden State Warriors were able to exploit Sabonis on the defensive end in the first round of the playoffs.
Perhaps the Kings need to bolster their defense. If they had a stronger group around Sabonis, it may be easier to work with his limitations in the playoffs. Enter OG Anunoby. He might be the best defensive wing in the NBA. Anunoby would be a perfect addition to this roster.
NBA NEWS, TRADES & RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors & Sacramento Kings Updates
He won’t hurt Sacramento on offense, either. Anunoby is a reliable floor spacer who would perfectly complement both Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox. The Kings will need to find a way to replace Davion Mitchell with the best backup point guard that they can. That’s well worth the price of adding Anunoby. Are the Raptors getting enough back for him?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
Meanwhile, Mitchell is pivotal to this deal for the Raptors. They lost Fred VanVleet in free agency this summer. Adding a young point guard who compliments Scottie Barnes would be invaluable. Mitchell is perfect. He’s a solid floor spacer and an elite point-of-attack defender.
By contrast, Barnes is strictly a salary matcher here. The Raptors would likely look to trade him next summer. Duarte is a solid addition that Toronto could take or leave. Still, this deal is about draft capital more than anything else for the Raptors.
NBA NEWS, TRADES & RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors & Sacramento Kings Updates
Could they get more of it elsewhere? We’re not sure. If they can, then they should. We’ve heard that Toronto is seeking upwards to four unprotected first-round picks for Anunoby. That feels a little optimistic. This feels like market value for his services. If the Raptors are taking honest stock of where they stand, they’ll have to accept this offer.
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